Chapter 5

The child clung for a moment, but consented to be put down, whining with fear. He took an uncertain step.

‘It hurts!’ he whimpered. Justus gathered him up in his arms.

‘Let’s have a look at it,’ suggested Simon kindly. They inspected the foot.

‘It’s hard to tell,’ muttered Justus. ‘It was bent over, like this. Seems straighter, don’t you think, Simon?’

Simon felt both feet.

‘They’re about alike, I should say. But why can’t he stand on it?’

‘Perhaps it’s the rough ground,’ said Justus, still hopeful. ‘He never stood squarely on that foot before. It’s tender as a baby’s. Besides—the lad’s frightened.’

The crowd was dispersing now, many pausing to gape at the child. Simon glanced toward the rock where the Carpenter stood. He was gone.

‘Well, I’ll be on my way, friend Simon,’ Justus was saying, ‘I hope we may meet again.’

‘You’ve a long journey ahead of you, Justus, carrying the lad. Perhaps I should go with you, part way.’

‘You are kind; but there will be moonlight presently. The boy is not heavy. I shall stop for the night with friends in Cana.’

Simon was reluctant to see Justus leave. He walked beside him to the southern brow of the hill, where they paused.

‘I wish I knew—about the boy’s foot. What do you think, Justus? Has it been healed or hasn’t it?’

‘I don’t know,’ mumbled Justus. ‘Maybe it’s too early to tell. I only hope so.’

‘Yes—so do I, Justus. It would be a great blessing to the child.’

At that, Justus turned to face Simon with a sober stare.

‘Do you—honestly—hope that?’

‘Why, of course!’ declared Simon. ‘What a question! Who could wish it otherwise?’